SWEET MUSIC: Nigel Jay of the Phil plays with Olivia for Glen and Alman at their home

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MUSIC lover Glen Alman had a birthday to remember when members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra staged a concert in his front room.

Glen, of Chorlton, is suffering from prostate cancer and his wife Susan arranged the special surprise for his 48th birthday celebrations.

Pam and Nigel Jay, who are violinists with the Manchester-based orchestra, were joined by Glen's daughter Olivia, 10, who is learning the violin.

They performed in Glen's lounge for an hour, playing classical, folk and popular music watched by his family and friends.

Susan had registered for Musicians On Call by phoning the helpline earlier this month and putting Glen and his family's case forward.

Organised

The project is part of the nationwide Listen Up! Festival, which has been organised by BBC Radio 3 and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to celebrate all aspects of orchestral life.

Glen, 48, said: "It was absolutely brilliant, the best present I have ever had and I will always remember it. I had no idea, it was a complete surprise.

"Music has played a big part in my life and I have not been able to get out to concerts in recent times."

Wife Susan, 40, said: "It was hard keeping it a secret but it has been a fantastic day. We've been through a lot of lows during the last three years and I thought this would be a lovely memory, something that would be with us for ever.

"Olivia really enjoyed playing for her father because he missed her playing in a concert during the summer." Olivia said: "I was very nervous but it was really good playing in front of my dad."

Pam said: "When you play on stage you get a reaction from the audience but when everyone is so close you get much more rapport, and it's great to know that everyone enjoyed themselves."